Are Migraines Ruining Your Life?

If you get migraines, two important studies could help you and your doctor ease your pain and give you the oomph to overcome migraine-related problems such as depression, low energy, and difficulty with physical and social activities.

A Dutch study compared 620 migraine sufferers with 5,900 people who were migraine-free. Those with migraines reported poorer quality of life, mental health, and social relationships, even when compared to people who suffered from chronic health problems such as asthma or chronic pain.

A US/British study of nearly 800 people found that those with migraines were more likely to be depressed and to have a poorer quality of life.

"Depression and lower quality of life are common to many, many people with migraines-not just to those with severe, frequent migraines who tend to see headache specialists," says Richard B. Lipton, MD, a professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and the lead author of the study. "People with migraines shouldn't downplay these related problems."

Here's what you should do:

Expect relief. The studies revealed that a significant number of people with migraines rely exclusively on over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. But if OTCs aren't easing your pain, see your family doctor or a pain specialist.

Tell your doctor how you feel. If you're not sleeping well, you no longer enjoy the things you used to, or you just feel down, you may be depressed.

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